Charles I., king of France by succession, and emperor of the west by conquest in 800 (which laid the foundation of the dynasty of the western Franks, who ruled the empire 472 years till the time of Rodolphus Auspurgensis, the founder of the house of Austria). Charlemagne was as illustrious in the cabinet as in the field; and, though he could not write his name, was the patron of men of letters, the rector of learning, and a wise legislator; he wanted only the virtue of humanity to render him the most accomplished of men; but when we read of his beheading 4500 Saxons, solely for their loyalty to their prince, in opposing his conquests, we cannot think he merits the extravagant encomiums bestowed on him by some historians. He died in 814, in the 74th year of his age, and 47th of his reign.

France had nine sovereigns of this name, of whom Charles V. merited the title of the wise (crowned in 1364, died in 1380); and Charles VIII., signalized himself in the field by rapid victories in Italy; (crowned in 1483, died in 1498). The rest do not deserve particular mention in this place. See History of France.